Florence & Me

Katie Portanova
  • 5.0 (6)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Ciao! I’m Kate Portanova, your host, Italy experience guide, and lifelong lover of all things Florence. This podcast is your ticket to discovering the authentic side of Florence and Italy—one story, one dish, and one piazza at a time. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in a bustling café, wandering cobblestone streets filled with history, or connecting with locals to experience la vera Italia, you’re in the right place. Join me as I share our journey of returning to Italy in the near future. Return to Italy has begun!

  1. 12/23/2025

    The Road Back to Italy: My Citizenship Process + Why I’m Shifting My Travel Plans

    Ciao tutti! In this inaugural video-style episode, I check in from home with a heartfelt update on life, Truly Italy, and the road back to Italy—this time with a husband, cats, and a lot more logistics than 2009. I share where I'm in the Italian citizenship process (through marriage), what I'm learning along the way, and why I'm building both a podcast and YouTube channel to document every step (and help others who want to do the same). I also explain why I'm postponing some trips, what’s next for my Tuscany vision, and details on an exciting new collaboration: a women’s retreat near Milan in September 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to move abroad, start over, or simply travel with more courage—this one’s for you.a presto, Kate Hamacha's website: https://www.haamacha.com/Women's Retreat September 21-25, 2026- details coming soon!Truly Sardinia: September 5-12, 2026 - https://www.trulyitaly.tours/truly-sardiniaDo you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours

    11 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    The Road Back to Italy: My Citizenship Process + Why I’m Shifting My Travel Plans

    In this quick life update, I'm sharing what’s happening behind the scenes with Florence & Me and Truly Italy. I talk about my Italian citizenship process (through marriage), the real steps of preparing to move back to Italy, and what you can expect from the podcast + new YouTube channel—short, honest videos documenting the journey. I also open up about postponing some 2026 trips, why Tuscany remains my “signature” focus, and a new women’s retreat collaboration planned for September 2026 near Milan. Expect practical updates, encouragement for anyone dreaming of taking the leap to Italy, and plenty of candid side notes—cats, budgeting, and all. A presto! Kate Hamacha's website: https://www.haamacha.com/ Women's Retreat September 21-25, 2026- details coming soon! Truly Sardinia: September 5-12, 2026 - https://www.trulyitaly.tours/truly-sardinia Do you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours

    11 min

  3. 09/26/2025

    Decaf Coffe or Un Espresso?

    Both are correct. Here's a short episode on how to order a caffe' decaffeinato. :) Enjoy! Do you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours Is an authentic trip to Italy calling your name? Here are our Truly Italy Experience in 2026.  June 6-14, 2026 - ⁠Truly Tuscany ⁠ September 5-12, 2026 - ⁠Truly Sardinia ⁠ a presto, Kate

    8 min

  4. 08/29/2025

    Calling All Italy Lovers: Let’s Find Our Way Back Together

    Yes, I've been on radio silent all summer. Nothing to worry about. Listen how I'm changing course and learning how to keep Truly Italy and Italy in my heart day by day. Also anyone who wants to connect with me regarding just talking about italy, reminiscing about your study abroad days, or the time you living in Italy for a year, I'd love to hear from you. In the meantime, what do you think about our plan??? You got to listen to find out. :) Join me on a Truly Italy Experience in 2026.  June 6-14, 2026 - Truly Tuscany September 5-12, 2026 - Truly Sardinia a presto, Kate

    19 min

  5. 05/30/2025

    I Belong Here: Becoming a Local in Florence

    In this heartfelt episode, Katie Portanova shares her deep connection to Florence, Italy, exploring her journey from a visitor to a local resident. She reflects on the transformative moments that shaped her experience, the importance of slowing down, and the friendships that enriched her life. Katie emphasizes the difference between being a traveler and a tourist, advocating for authentic experiences that foster genuine connections with the culture and people of Italy. She invites listeners to consider joining her in future travel experiences that prioritize meaningful interactions over mere sightseeing. Join Katie on a Truly Italy Experience in 2026. Truly Tuscany Experience June 6-14, 2026 Truly Sardinia Sailing Experience September 5-12, 2026 One of my fave restaurants in Florence: I Mangiarino Want to get expert Tuscany advice monthly? Sign up here.

    22 min

  6. 05/23/2025

    Italy Taught Me to Waste Time Well

    In the states we know how to multi-task way too much. In Italy, wasting time is an art. Spending time with friends is a gift. Lingering at lunch is pure joy. Listen to why I still wish wasting time was in my every day life. Follow me and my writings on Substack here Be the first to know about my Travel Experiences in Tuscany & Sardinia here Hope to see you on one of my trips soon! :)

    5 min

  7. 04/25/2025

    My Favorite Piazzas in Florence

    My heart lives in all these piazze for a reason. I'm now giving you a reason to visit them. Hope you enjoy this episode! Want my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide for FREE?? Get it here: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

    11 min

  8. 04/11/2025

    Coffee Culture in Italy

    Today I talk about types of coffee, when to have caffe and what's the difference between sitting and taking your coffee and standing. I hope you enjoy this episode! Any questions email here: trulyitalytours@gmail.com Want my Ultimate Tuscany Insider Guide? Get it here for free: https://www.trulyitaly.tours//ultimate-tuscany-guide

    8 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Ciao! I’m Kate Portanova, your host, Italy experience guide, and lifelong lover of all things Florence. This podcast is your ticket to discovering the authentic side of Florence and Italy—one story, one dish, and one piazza at a time. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in a bustling café, wandering cobblestone streets filled with history, or connecting with locals to experience la vera Italia, you’re in the right place. Join me as I share our journey of returning to Italy in the near future. Return to Italy has begun!

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Portanova
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Katie Portanova
  • Show Website
    Florence & Me